The real estate industry has its share of diversity problems, with minority homebuyers and sellers often facing discrimination and unequal treatment. However, there are companies that are working to change that, including Ellis Realty Group. Let's explore the story behind Ellis Realty Group and how they contribute daily to increasing diversity in the real estate industry. We will also discuss the steps that the company takes to ensure that black homebuyers and sellers receive fair and equal treatment, the types of properties and neighborhoods the company specializes in, and the exceptional customer service that sets it apart from other real estate companies!
Founder Mark Ellis, Holding degrees in Africana Studies, Sociology and Economics from Rutgers University states, "Growing up in the inner city, I understand and have experienced discrimination on multiple levels. However, through my educational journey, I was never taught financial literacy, and the importance of building generational wealth. This is where the foundation of my mission was formed."
In 2019, he made a significant career change, moving from corporate marketing and retail development to the real estate industry. He decided to start as an individual agent with Keller Williams due to the company's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as their exceptional training program.
As an individual agent, his primary objective was not just to help clients buy, sell, and invest in real estate, but to educate them on how to use real estate as a means of building generational wealth. His passion for bridging the gap he had experienced in his own life motivated him to pursue this goal.
When the opportunity to build a team under the Keller Williams umbrella presented itself, he knew that his mission and goals remained unchanged. He created Ellis Realty Group with the intention of assembling a team of realtors who share his passion, goals, and drive to help all clients equally. Moreover, he sought individuals who shared his inward obligation to educate and assist clients through real estate in underserved communities. The team at Ellis Realty Group reflects this mission and they are serious about helping the community. Ellis Realty Group, is a group of an amazing group of realtors who shared the passion for helping all clients equally. It's important that the team has a shared goal and a drive to educate and assist clients in underserved communities through real estate. This inward obligation to give back was a crucial component of the team's mission, and it is reflected in the diverse faces of the Ellis Realty Group.
How does your company ensure that black homebuyers and sellers receive fair and equal treatment in the real estate market, and what steps do you take to combat discrimination and bias?
The Fair Housing Act protects consumers from discrimination in the real estate market based on factors such as race or color, religion, sex, national origin, family status, and disability. However, discrimination in the industry is often more subtle and implicit rather than overtly malicious. Lending, appraisals, and realtor steering are the three primary areas where discrimination is prevalent. For instance, lenders may immediately turn down credit-challenged clients rather than proposing solutions and providing education. Discrimination in appraisals can occur when an appraiser under appraises a property after seeing African-American family photos. Realtor steering happens when a realtor shows a client properties in an area that the client is not interested in but the realtor believes the area fits the client.
The Ellis Realty Group welcomes individuals of all race or colors, religion, sex, national origin, family status, and disabilities, including past and current clients. They work with a network of lenders who are comfortable working with credit-challenged clients, and they direct and educate the client to provide a game plan for homeownership. During appraisals, they meet with the appraiser to build ongoing relationships and show that they have done their homework through comparative market analysis, demonstrating what similar properties have been valued at. From the initial client consultation to physically meeting the client and showing properties, the Ellis Realty Group aims to pinpoint what the client is looking for in terms of area, criteria, and amenities. They work not only for their clients but also have a fiduciary responsibility to fight for their clients' interests.
What types of properties and neighborhoods do you specialize in, and how do you cater to the specific needs and preferences of your clients?
Our team at Ellis Realty Group comprises 11 highly skilled agents, each with their own unique expertise, allowing us to serve a diverse range of clients and properties. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, an athlete or an executive, we have an agent on our team who specializes in your specific needs.
Our agents hold certifications in a variety of areas, including short sale and foreclosure, military relocation, luxury properties, and even sports and entertainment. This means that no matter what your real estate needs may be, our team has the knowledge and experience to help you achieve your goals.
Currently, we proudly serve most of New Jersey, from Essex County to Salem County and everywhere in between, as well as Philadelphia and surrounding counties. And in 2023, we plan to expand our footprint even further, bringing our top-notch real estate services to even more communities.
At Ellis Realty Group, we are committed to providing exceptional service to each and every one of our clients. Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve your real estate goals ( scroll down for all contact information).
In what ways does your company go above and beyond to provide exceptional customer service, and what do you believe sets your business apart from other real estate companies?
When you choose to work with Ellis Realty Group, you're not just choosing one agent, but an entire team of experienced and professional realtors. Our team is backed by a strong network of trusted vendors, including lenders, credit repair specialists, real estate attorneys, transaction coordinators, professional photographers, home inspectors, landscapers, and house cleaners.
We're thrilled to announce that we've recently partnered with Legacy Mortgage, the largest black-owned lender, to provide our clients with even more options and resources.
At Ellis Realty Group, we believe that an educated client is the best client, which is why we take the time to walk you through every step of the process from A to Z. You can trust that you'll come away from your experience with us with a comprehensive understanding of the real estate process.
If you're thinking about selling your home, we offer our 5 Point Concierge Service as well as an extensive Marketing Game Plan. We use multiple platforms to market your home, increasing your visibility and maximizing your profit potential. Choose Ellis Realty Group for all your real estate needs, and experience the difference a team of dedicated professionals can make.
How does your company stay up to date with the latest trends and changes in the real estate market, and what strategies do you use to help your clients navigate the complexities of buying or selling a property?
Working under the Keller Williams umbrella allows access to the best training in the industry. There are not only normal continuing education classes but numerous award-winning programs designed to provide guidance and keep us up to date with market shifts, policy updates, and forecasting trends.
We also work with the best CRM program in the industry to help us manage our business. Internally, Ellis Realty Group has a designated Training Manager, Operations Manager, and Administrative Assistant who are our backbone keeping them up to date and on task.
How can someone contact you what are your social media and phone numbers for potential buyers ?
Mark E. Ellis
REALTOR®, Team Lead
THE Ellis Realty Group🗝
Keller Williams Washington Twp.
381 Egg Harbor Road, Suite 2
Sewell, NJ 08080
☎️ 856-318-2671
NJ Realtors® Circle of Excellence Sales Award®, 2021 & 2022 SILVER level
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Next Event: 6th Annual Melanin Market March.25th 2023 at The Kennedy Center 429 JFK WAY Willingboro Nj 08046 08046 Officially Sponsored by THE Ellis Realty Group🗝
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